Vietnam awards Australian scientists for tuberculosis research

23 lung health researchers and clinicians from the Vietnam National Tuberculosis Program and international research institutes were awarded the prize, which signifies contributions of national or international significance.

The team's researchers, including Professor Nguyen Viet Nhung from the National Lung Hospital, worked on applying modern technologies to diagnose and treat respiratory diseases.

Among them were three researchers from Australian universities and research institute: Scientia professor Guy Marks from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research and the University of New South Wales, professor Greg Fox at the University of Sydney and the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, and Dr Thu-Anh from the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. Other researchers from the U.S. and the Netherlands who work in Vietnam were also recognized.

Since 2009, the Australian medical researchers have collaborated with the National Tuberculosis Program to work closely with Vietnamese researchers across 135 clinics throughout Vietnam to find effective ways to tackle the spread of tuberculosis in the country. Their discoveries include innovations to perform community-wide testing, treatment and social psychological support for tuberculosis patients.

This is the first time that the Ho Chi Minh Prize has been awarded to a research team that includes international researchers, according to Australia's ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski.

The Ho Chi Minh scientific prize has been awarded once every five years since 1996, and is considered to be one of the highest honors bestowed by the Vietnamese government.